Lionel Richie Album: “Live In Paris”

Like the previous review, this is the best roots reggae album I've heard in a long time, and I can't believe it's from a white Arkansan. But he did it up right, and it's extraordinary for three reasons: one, it's all live musicians; two, he's got veterans like guitarist Earl "Chinna" Smith, bassist Chris Meredith, and Marley's mix engineer Errol Brown on the case; and three - and, to this writer, most importantly - Israel is a songwriter. There are actual songs here, not just grooves with lyrics on top. Now, rest assured, when he hits a groove, it's murderous, but at the core is a song - verses, choruses, bridges - and they're all originals. And within those songs are splashes of different styles - some jazz saxophone here, some rock guitar there. In a marketplace with a surfeit of mediocre reggae, Israel is a refreshing breath, an artist who not only understands the past, but for whom there's a bright future.

The standout tunes are "Jah Souljahs" (and its dub "A Tougher Battle Dub"), "Mankind," "Ruff Times" with Luciano, "Perfect Love," "Gone Are The Days" and the extended 'discomix' of "Jerusalem."

I'm local to the same area as Joseph. When we found out that Joseph was going national, we were not at all suprised. His work is wonderful. It is pure. His live shows are as powerful and thought provoking as his CD (only better because it is live). My kids say, "When we hear him sing he bring our hearts to life".

This disc is definatley worth full price!

I listen to some reggae, such as that from Bad Brains, Human Rights (H.R.'s group away from Bad Brains), Ziggy Marley, Third World, and of course Bob Marley, and this album is right up there with the best I have ever heard.

Joseph does a great job singin with the groove, and the messages are very uplifting. There are several songs with faster beats, such as "Truth," which as moved it's way up my most played list, and some more laid back beats, such as "Perfect Love."

Any reggae fan will appreciate this album, I know I have.

i should have stopped at Matisyahu & Ta-shma. this guy is okay i guess but i wasnt too impressed. i'll probably end up giving this one away.